WCO ASKS MEMBERS TO LOOK OUT FOR LOOTED IRAQI ANTIQUITIES
The World Customs Organization has asked its 161 customs administration members to look out for stolen Iraqi antiquities that may move through their ports.
The recent fall of Baghdad to U.S. and British troops led to wide-scale looting of Iraq’s museums. Kunio Mikuriya, deputy secretary general for the WCO, said a “concerted international action” was needed to target stolen treasures.
The WCO encourages regional action by countries neighboring Iraq and would use its Customs Enforcement Network and its network of Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices around the world to keep member customs administrations informed. Jordanian Customs recently seized a large suspected antiquities shipment from Iraq.
The Brussels-based organization is also working closely with the United Nations, Interpol, International Association of Museums and other international agencies to help search for looted treasure, Mikuriya said.